1. Maple Ridge mayor pulls back on comment that homeless are ‘raping and pillaging’ community

Mike Morden said the words were “an expression of frustration and probably weren’t appropriate.” See more >

2. Surrey pub ‘a total loss’ after overnight fire

Surrey Battalion Chief Brian Carmichael told the Now-Leader reports of an explosion at the pub came in just before 3 a.m. See more >

3. Book-banning discussion bubbles up at Chilliwack board table

A motion brought forward from a Chilliwack school board trustee implies that teachers would have to foresee “resources that some may consider controversial” and inform parents about its use. See more >

4. Coquihalla seeing snow, sloppy conditions

On the summit, Environment Canada said to expect a 40 per cent chance of showers this afternoon except a few wet flurries near the summit. See more >

5. Abbotsford Tulip Festival to open early thanks to sun and rain

The festival had been slated to begin on April 15, but organizers say a “perfect mix of sun and showers” has started the tulip season earlier than expected. See more >